"The achievements of the resistance should not be exploited in internal disputes."

Fireworks exploded and and motorists hooted their car horns as crowds of people cheering and waving Lebanese flags poured onto the streets of Beirut and Sleiman's hometown of Amsheet after hearing the news.

Al Jazeera correspondent James Bays said people were celebrating all across the city.

'Euphoria and celebration'

"There is a feeling of euphoria and celebration among most of the people," Bays said. "There is a really high sense of expectation for this new president.

"Everyone from whatever background, from whatever political persuasion, whatever religious group has great expectations for this man. It might be hard for him to live up to them," he said.

Of those voting in Lebanon's 127-member parlaiment, 118 voted in favour of Sleiman becoming president.

Six of the ballots cast were blank, signifying a protest vote or reservations over Sleiman's election.

Addressing the Lebanese parliament after the election, Al Thani said that Sleiman's election was part of a process towards a lasting peace in Lebanon.

"The Lebanese [leadership], with its variety and diversity, acknowledged that there is no alternative but to reach an entente that will safeguard Lebanon's security and interests," he said.

"All Arab nations will feel reassured that the dearest countires will be able to embark on a new era based on freedom.

"Lebanon is the victor, Lebanon's crisis is the vanquished."

'Crucial selection'

Rula Amin, Al Jazeera's correspondent in Beirut, said many Lebanese intellectuals said they would have preferred a civilian candidate, but many other observers believe the selection of Sleiman was crucial in order to end the country's political crisis.